Multi-use blanket/cushion

ABSTRACT

A device for providing a blanket and a cushion which has a blanket, a cushion, and a pocket, which blanket has a bottom edge, which bottom edge of said blanket aligns with a bottom edge of the cushion, and where the pocket is formed by the intersection of the blanket and the cushion. The blanket further includes a plurality of fasteners arranged in a first, second, third, fourth, and fifth pair, which pairs allow for the securement of the blanket around a user&#39;s neck, torso, and arms.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a blanket construction, and more particularly, a MULTI-USE BLANKET/CUSHION.

Description of the Prior Art

Numerous innovations for combination blankets and cushions have been provided in the prior art that will be described. Even though these innovations may be suitable for the specific individual purposes to which they address, however, they differ from the present invention.

A FIRST EXAMPLE, U.S. Pat. No. 2,038,335, Published/Issued on Apr. 21, 1936, to Aronow teaches an article which in one of its phases will serve as a cushion and in another of its phases will serve simultaneously as a cushion and blanket, spread, or, cover.

A SECOND EXAMPLE, U.S. Pat. No. 2,145,726, Published/Issued on Jan. 31, 1939, to Kupperblatt teaches a robe to have a right and a left front panel connected at their outer edges with a back panel, and means for releasably connecting the top edges of the front panels and the back panel for forming the shoulder portions of the robe. Thus, when the top edges are released it is possible to open the robe into a flat sheet which then may be used as a blanket.

A THIRD EXAMPLE, U.S. Pat. No. 5,987,667, Published/Issued on Nov. 23, 1999, to Haverly, et al. teaches a blanket having one pocket permanently attached to the top planar surface along one elongated edge thereof and a plurality of additional pockets permanently attached to either the top or bottom planar surface, each along one an elongated edge thereof such that only one pocket is present along any elongated edge, the inside surfaces of the pockets consisting of different fabric patterns from each other, and which pockets are shaped and dimensioned such that when one of the pockets is turned inside out the remainder of the blanket can be folded, rolled and tucked into the pocket to convert the blanket into a pillow.

A FOURTH EXAMPLE, U.S. Pat. No. 6,023,797, Published/Issued on Feb. 15, 2000, to Brumfield teaches a comfort system is provided involving a towel, blanket or cloth that folds into a pillow configuration, and in a fire retardant version is useful as vehicle comfort system. The comfort system involves a length of cloth or fabric that folds into a pillow configuration. An air bladder contained within the pillow supplements the pillow to provide increased comfort. The comfort system provides reduced weight and convenient storage volume consumption for aircraft while providing the flexibility of selectively functioning as a pillow or towel or cover according to the particular needs of the user.

A FIFTH EXAMPLE, U.S. Pat. No. 6,367,083, Published/Issued on Apr. 9, 2002, to November teaches a multiple use blanket which can be converted into a sleeping bag or pouch configuration and into a compact cushion, pillow or storage configuration. In a fully unfolded configuration, the blanket may be used as a blanket, wrap or, when provided with a water-resistant outer layer, as a poncho-like wrap. The blanket has a closure system (e.g., a zipper, hook and loop system, snaps, buttons, a zip lock system, etc.) in a central region of the blanket into which the blanket can be folded or otherwise manipulated, and the closure system closed around the compacted blanket to provide the compact configuration of the blanket. The location of the closure system provides a neat, clean and convenient way to compact the blanket, and an attractive appearance, as well as functionality as a pillow or cushion. Another closure system is provided about the periphery of the blanket which allows the blanket to be folded and configured as a sleeping bag or stadium bag or pouch.

A SIXTH EXAMPLE, U.S. Pat. No. 6,408,462, Published/Issued on Jun. 25, 2002, to Moore teaches a multipurpose device that can be alternately configured to form a blanket, a cushion, a hooded poncho, a hooded poncho with a fastening shawl, and a tote bag. The multipurpose device includes a pliable sheet that can be configured for use as a blanket. The pliable sheet is lengthwise dividable into three sections, a first one-third section, a second one-third section having a middle and a third one-third section. The multipurpose device also contains a first attachment. The first attachment includes at least a bi-layer of material that form a first and second pocket and is attached to the pliable sheet near a first edge of the second one third section. The pliable sheet can be folded, preferably with the assistance of specifically placed securing devices, into the second pocket to form the cushion configuration. Alternatively, the first pocket can be configured, also preferably with the assistance of specifically placed securing devices, to form a hood for the hooded poncho configuration and the hooded poncho with a fastening shawl configuration. By adding a handle in a certain location, the multipurpose device can be folded into the second pocket and configured for use as a tote bag.

A SEVENTH EXAMPLE, U.S. Patent Office Document No. 20050262634, Published/Issued on Dec. 1, 2005, to Gottlieb teaches an improved comfort system comprising blanket formed of first and second layers of material and including an external pocket centrally located along at least one peripheral edge thereof. The blanket may be easily converted into a pillow configuration by a folding method that transforms the blanket into a compact configuration and includes pulling the folded blanket through the pocket, in an inside out manner, such that the folded blanket is contained within the external pocket and the pocket opening. The comfort system is further provided with a conventional pillow sized for insertion within the pocket, and a detachable shoulder strap to facilitate carrying. The comfort system thus provides a compact and transportable pillow and blanket combination particularly suited for use by travelers, airline passengers, and persons on overnight trips.

AN EIGHTH EXAMPLE, U.S. Patent Office Document No. 20080182478, Published/Issued on Jul. 31, 2008, to Smoot, et al. teaches an apparatus is disclosed for a pillow that converts into a highly-developed, three-dimensional toy figure that, in certain embodiments, has a life-like shape. The apparatus includes a pillow or a hollow body with one or more clasping mechanisms. When engaged, the clasping mechanisms shape the apparatus into the soft, toy figure. When disengaged, the clasping mechanisms allow the apparatus to serve as a pillow with a soft, comfortable, relatively-flat surface for sleeping. Certain embodiments of the apparatus include an internal cavity that houses an extractable blanket to provide additional bedding.

A NINTH EXAMPLE, U.S. Patent Office Document No. 20130189898, Published/Issued on Jul. 25, 2013, to Abbott teaches a combination pillow, blanket, and stuffed toy comprising a blanket with a pocket attached thereto, such that the blanket may be folded and the pocket may be turned inside out. The folded blanket is then located inside the pocket, forming a pillow. The pillow may then be converted into a stuffed toy by attaching a strap connected to one side of the pillow to the other side of the pillow, causing the pillow to fold downward and form a stuffed toy body.

It is apparent now that numerous innovations for combination cushions and blankets have been provided in the prior art that adequate for various purposes. Furthermore, even though these innovations may be suitable for the specific individual purposes to which they address, accordingly, they would not be suitable for the purposes of the present invention as heretofore described.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

AN OBJECT of the present invention is to provide a MULTI-USE BLANKET/CUSHION that avoids the disadvantages of the prior art.

ANOTHER OBJECT of the present invention is to provide a MULTI-USE BLANKET/CUSHION that is simple and inexpensive to manufacture.

STILL ANOTHER OBJECT of the present invention is to provide a MULTI-USE BLANKET/CUSHION that is simple to use.

BRIEFLY STATED, STILL YET ANOTHER OBJECT of the present invention is to provide a MULTI-USE BLANKET/CUSHION that provides fasteners for allowing it to form a poncho.

The novel features which are considered characteristic of the present invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, both as to its construction and its method of operation, together with additional objects and advantages thereof, will be best understood from the following description of the specific embodiments when read and understood in connection with the accompanying drawing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The figures of the drawings are briefly described as follows:

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic perspective view of the MULTI-USE BLANKET/CUSHION in use;

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic plan view of the blanket component spread out flat and cushion component separate from each other before stitching them together;

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic plan view of the blanket component and cushion component separate from each other, after folding the blanket component, but before stitching them together;

FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic plan view of the blanket component and cushion component after stitching them together;

FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view taken on line 5-5 illustrating what is stitched together; and

FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic top plan view of the MULTI-USE BLANKET/CUSHION spread out ready for a person to don; and

FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic perspective view of the MULTI-USE BLANKET/CUSHION fully folded.

A MARSHALING OF REFERENCE NUMERALS UTILIZED IN THE DRAWINGS

-   10 device for providing a blanket 12 and cushion 14 -   12 blanket -   14 cushion -   16 pocket -   18 bottom edge of blanket 12 -   20 bottom edge of cushion 14 -   22 side edges of cushion 14 -   24 top edge of cushion 14 -   26 length of bottom edge 20 of cushion 14 -   28 length of bottom edge 18 of blanket 12 -   30 height of blanket 12 -   32 height of cushion 14 -   34 hood -   36 front opening of hood 34 -   38 left side edge of blanket 12 -   40 right side edge of blanket 12 -   42 top edge of blanket 12 -   44 fastener -   46 first pair of fasteners -   48 second pair of fasteners -   50 third pair of fasteners -   52 fourth pair of fasteners -   54 fifth pair of fasteners -   56 mechanical slide fastener

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to the figures, in which like numerals indicate like parts, and particularly to FIGS. 1 and 2 disclosed is a device 10 for providing a blanket 12 and cushion 14 which has:

a) a blanket 12;

b) a pocket 16; and

c) a cushion 14.

The pocket 16 is formed by the securement of the blanket 12 to the cushion 14. The pocket 16 is for allowing the blanket 12 to be stuffed inside said pocket so that the device 10 forms a pillow.

To accomplish this, the blanket 12 has a bottom edge 18. The cushion 14 has a bottom edge 20. The bottom edge 20 of the cushion 14 is secured to the blanket 12 along the bottom edge 18 of the blanket 12. This allows that the blanket 12 can be folded into the pocket 16 because the pocket 16 is not offset from all edges of the blanket 12.

In order to form the pocket 16, the cushion 14 has two side edges 22. The two side edges 22 are secured to the blanket 12. Further, the cushion 14 is substantially square shaped. The cushion has a top edge 24. The top edge 24 of the cushion 14 is the only edge of the cushion 14 not secured to the blanket 12.

In order to facilitate construction and ability to fold the blanket 12 into the pocket 16, the bottom edge 20 of the cushion 14 has a length 26. The bottom edge 18 of the blanket 12 likewise has a length 28. The length 26 of the bottom edge 20 of the cushion 14 is approximately one third of the length 28 of the bottom edge 18 of the blanket 12. This allows that the blanket 12 can be folded onto itself and tucked into the pocket 16 as seen in FIGS. 4 and 7.

As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the two side edges 22 of the cushion 14 are secured to the blanket 12 such that the bottom edge 18 of the blanket 12 may be fully enclosed in the pocket 16.

To further facilitate folding of the blanket into the pocket, the blanket 12 has a height 30. The cushion 14 has a height 32. The height 30 of the blanket 12 is an integer multiple of the height 32 of the cushion 14. This facilitates even folding of the blanket 12 into the pocket 16 by preventing an excess partial amount of the blanket 12 from sticking out.

As illustrated most clearly in FIGS. 1 and 2, the device further includes a hood 34. The hood 34 is disposed on an edge of the blanket opposite the bottom edge 18. The hood 34 has a front opening 36. The front opening 36 of the hood is on the side of the blanket 12 where the cushion 14 is attached to form the pocket 16. This allows a user to use the pocket 16 as a foot warmer while simultaneously using the hood 34, as shown in FIG. 1.

Turning now to FIGS. 2 and 6, applicant will now discuss one of the key inventive features of the present invention. The blanket 12 has a left side edge 38, a right side edge 40 and a top edge 42. The device 10 further includes a plurality of fasteners 44. The plurality of fasteners 44 are disposed along the left 38 and right 40 side edges of the blanket 12 and the top edge 42 of the blanket 12. To facilitate the use of the invention as will be described, the plurality of fasteners 44 are a plurality of pairs of fasteners 44. The pairs of fasteners 44 are for fastening to one another. In a preferred construction and as shown in the drawings, the fasteners 44 may be snaps, but alternative fasteners 44 such as magnetic fasteners or buttons may also be used. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, the plurality of pairs of fasteners 44 are preferably five pairs of fasteners 44.

As shown in FIG. 6, the five pairs of fasteners 44 are a first pair 46 of fasteners 44, a second pair 48 of fasteners 44, a third pair 50 of fasteners 44, a fourth pair 52 of fasteners 44, and a fifth pair 54 of fasteners 44.

The first pair 46 of fasteners 44 are both disposed along the left side edge 38 of the blanket 12. The second pair 48 of fasteners 44 are both disposed along the right side edge 40 of the blanket 12. The third pair 50 of fasteners 44 are both disposed along the top edge 24 of the blanket 12. The fourth pair 52 of fasteners 44 are both disposed along the top edge 42 of the blanket 12. The fifth pair 54 of fasteners 44 are disposed one along the left side edge 38 of the blanket 12 and one along the right side edge 40 of the blanket 12. This structure allows the first 46 and second 48 pairs of fasteners 44 to be closed onto each other to form sleeves for a user donning the blanket 12. The third 50 and fourth 52 pair of fasteners may be used for a neck closure, either tightly around a user's neck or loosely around the shoulders. The fifth 54 pair of fasteners 44 may be used to close the whole blanket 12 around a user's chest.

The third pair 50 of fasteners 44 are disposed so that the space between them bisects the top edge 24 of the blanket 12. The fourth pair 52 of fasteners 44 are disposed so that the space between them bisects the top edge 24 of the blanket 12. This allows them to cooperate with the hood 34 by centering a neck or shoulder encompassing on the hood 34.

To facilitate the aforementioned choice of a tight neck closure or a loose shoulder closure, the third pair 50 of fasteners 44 are disposed closer to the left side edge 38 and the right side edge 40 respectively than the fourth pair 52 of fasteners 44.

To facilitate the making of sleeves, the first pair 46 of fasteners 44 are disposed near the top edge 42 of the blanket 12. The second pair 48 of fasteners 44 are disposed near the top edge 42 of the blanket 12 in a mirror image from the first pair 46 of fasteners 44. This structure allows the first pair 46 of fasteners 44 to form a first sleeve hole, and the second pair 48 of fasteners 44 to form a second sleeve hole opposite the first sleeve hole.

In order to facilitate closing the blanket 12 around a user's torso, the fifth pair 54 of fasteners 44 is disposed further away from the top edge 42 of the blanket 12 than the first pair 46 of fasteners 44 and the second pair 48 of fasteners 44.

As shown in FIG. 3, the device 10 further includes a mechanical slide fastener 56. The mechanical slide fastener 56 is for opening the cushion 14 to allow padding thereof to be removed to facilitate cleaning. In order to allow this and to prevent scratching of a user using the device 10, the mechanical slide fastener 56 is disposed on the bottom edge 20 of the cushion 14.

Also disclosed in FIGS. 2, 3, 4, and 5 is a method of making a combination cushion 14 and blanket 12 which method has the steps of:

a) establishing a cushion 14 and a blanket 12,

b) folding the blanket 12 onto itself from a left edge 38 and a right edge 40, so that the blanket 12 has a bottom edge 18 with a length substantially similar to that of the cushion 14;

c) disposing a bottom edge 20 of the cushion 14 to align with the bottom edge 18 of the blanket 12; and

d) sewing the cushion 14 to the bottom edge 18 of the blanket 12 and sewing along a pair of side edges of the cushion 14 such that the left edge 38 of the blanket 12 and the right edge 40 of the blanket 12 are not captured.

It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or two or more together, may also find a useful application in other types of constructions differing from the types described above.

While the invention has been illustrated and described as embodiments of a MULTI-USE BLANKET/CUSHION, accordingly it is not limited to the details shown, since it will be understood that various omissions, modifications, substitutions and changes in the forms and details of the device illustrated and its operation can be made by those skilled in the art without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention.

Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention. 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A device for providing a blanket and cushion which comprises: a) a blanket; b) a pocket; and c) a cushion; wherein said pocket is formed by the securement of said blanket to said cushion; wherein said pocket is for allowing said blanket to be stuffed inside said pocket so that said device forms a pillow.
 2. The device of claim 1 wherein said blanket comprises a bottom edge; wherein said cushion comprises a bottom edge; and wherein said bottom edge of said cushion is secured to said blanket along said bottom edge of said blanket.
 3. The device of claim 2 wherein said cushion comprises two side edges; wherein said two side edges are secured to said blanket.
 4. The device of claim 3 wherein said cushion is substantially square shaped; wherein said cushion comprises a top edge; and wherein said top edge is the only edge of said cushion not secured to said blanket.
 5. The device of claim 4 wherein said bottom edge of said cushion has a length; wherein said bottom edge of said blanket has a length; and wherein said length of said bottom edge of said cushion is approximately one third of said length of said bottom edge of said blanket.
 6. The device of claim 5 wherein said two side edges of said cushion are secured to said blanket such that said bottom edge of said blanket may be fully enclosed in said pocket.
 7. The device of claim 6 wherein said blanket has a height; wherein said cushion has a height; and wherein said height of said blanket is an integer multiple of said height of said cushion.
 8. The device of claim 2 wherein said device further comprises a hood; and wherein said hood is disposed on an edge of said blanket opposite said bottom edge.
 9. The device of claim 8 wherein said hood has a front opening; and wherein said front opening of said hood is on the side of said blanket where said cushion is attached to form said pocket.
 10. The device of claim 9 wherein said blanket comprises a left side edge, a right side edge and a top edge; wherein said edge of said blanket opposite said bottom edge is said top edge; wherein said device further comprises a plurality of fasteners; and wherein said plurality of fasteners are disposed along said left and right side edges of said blanket and said top edge of said blanket.
 11. The device of claim 10 wherein said plurality of fasteners comprise a plurality of pairs of fasteners; wherein said pairs of fasteners are for fastening to one another.
 12. The device of claim 11 wherein said plurality of pairs of fasteners comprise five pairs of fasteners.
 13. The device of claim 12 wherein said five pairs of fasteners are a first pair of fasteners, a second pair of fasteners, a third pair of fasteners, a fourth pair of fasteners, and a fifth pair of fasteners; wherein said first pair of fasteners are both disposed along said left side edge of said blanket; wherein said second pair of fasteners are both disposed along said right side edge of said blanket; wherein said third pair of fasteners are both disposed along said top edge of said blanket; wherein said fourth pair of fasteners are both disposed along said top edge of said blanket; and wherein said fifth pair of fasteners are disposed one along said left side edge of said blanket and one along said right side edge of said blanket.
 14. The device of claim 13 wherein said third pair of fasteners are disposed so that the space between them bisects said top edge of said blanket; and wherein said fourth pair of fasteners are disposed so that the space between them bisects said top edge of said blanket.
 15. The device of claim 14 wherein said third pair of fasteners are disposed closer to said left side edge and said right side edge respectively than said fourth pair of fasteners.
 16. The device of claim 15 wherein said first pair of fasteners are disposed near said top edge of said blanket; and wherein said second pair of fasteners are disposed near said top edge of said blanket in a mirror image from said first pair of fasteners.
 17. The device of claim 16 wherein said fifth pair of fasteners is disposed further away from said top edge of said blanket than said first pair of fasteners and said second pair of fasteners.
 18. The device of claim 6 wherein said device further comprises a mechanical slide fastener; wherein said mechanical slide fastener is for opening said cushion to allow padding thereof to be removed to facilitate cleaning.
 19. The device of claim 18 wherein said mechanical slide fastener is disposed on said bottom edge of said cushion.
 20. A method of making a combination cushion and blanket comprising the steps of: a) establishing a cushion and a blanket, b) folding said blanket onto itself from a left edge and a right edge, so that said blanket has a bottom edge with a length substantially similar to that of said cushion; c) disposing a bottom edge of said cushion to align with said bottom edge of said blanket; and d) sewing said cushion to said bottom edge of said blanket and sewing along a pair of side edges of said cushion such that said left edge of said blanket and said right edge of said blanket are not captured. 